Six Arrested During Portland Demonstrations

posted by Brad Ford -

Portland Police arrested six people during demonstrations Saturday afternoon.

A demonstration for the #HIMTOO movement had a permit to use Terry Schrunk Plaza. That permit allowed only authorized members of the demonstration to enter the square.

Police used a separate ordinance to create a buffer zone between Terry Schrunk Plaza and counter demonstrators.

The #HIMTOO movement alleges some accusations of sexual harassment or assault by men aren't true.

Members supporting the #METOO movement held a counter demonstration. They say the #HIMTOO movement minizes attacks on women.

During the events, Portland Police say there were multiple assaults reported, as well as projectiles thrown at demonstrators and officers. Officers observed sticks, glass bottles, lit road flares, bottles filled with a substance believed to be urine, and gopher gas used as projectiles.

"The Portland Police Bureau spent considerable time planning for today's demonstration and counter demonstration," said Chief Danielle Outlaw. "We used significant resources and attempted to keep opposing groups apart, both when they were in the parks and as they traveled through downtown. Our goal was to keep all people in the community safe."

The Portland Police Bureau used riot control agents when fights broke out and to disperse the crowd.

The Police Bureau is aware that several instances of criminal behavior were filmed and broadcast on a various media platforms. These crimes may include, but are not limited to: Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Theft, and Reckless Burning. Investigators will be conducting follow-up which may lead to arrests at a later time. If you were the victim of a crime during this protest event, you are encouraged to file a police report.

There were six people who were arrested today:

25-year-old Ruben A. Delahuerga was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Delahuerga was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

68-year-old Betsy Toll was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Toll was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

33-year-old Elizabeth L Cheek was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Cheek was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

35-year-old Brittany N. Frost was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Frost was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

52-year-old Gary Fresquez was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Fresquez was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Interfering with a Peace Officer (two counts).

19-year-old Hannah R McClintock was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Taylor Street. McClintock was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Harassment.

Those people will make their first court appearance on Monday.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler responded to questions about the ordinance police used to keep the groups separated. Wheeler says this ordinance was already in the books and has been supported in court. It was different from an ordinance City Council declined to approve last week that would have given the mayor/police commissioner authority to determine the place and manner of demonstrations.